Fifteen Leaders Join the S. D. Change Network Cohort

BROOKINGS, S.D. -Fifteen emerging leaders from across South Dakota have been selected to participate in the first cohort of the South Dakota Change Network, a program created by the Bush Foundation and executed through a partnership of National Arts Strategies, SDSU Extension Community Vitality and Vision Maker Media, the Change Network Cohort, will provide a supportive environment to assist participants in leading change in a more equitable and inclusive manner.

"The cohort experience will offer forward-thinking South Dakotans an opportunity to build their self-awareness, leadership abilities, and systems-change skill sets," said Kari O'Neill, SDSU Extension Community Vitality Field Specialist.

Individuals selected, their locations and their career and interest fields include: Jill Baker, Sioux Falls, human services with a focus on veterans; Stacey Berry, Madison, English professor at Dakota State University with interests in student equality; Amy Hofer, Doland, finance manager interested in rural community involvement and volunteerism; Jared Hybertson, Centerville, economic developer focused on rural community inclusion; Kelsea Kenzy Sutton, Burke, attorney with interests in food security and public health; Patti Martinson, Rapid City, focusing on social change through the arts; Billy Mawhiney, Sioux Falls, youth director working on nonprofit connections; Carla Miller, Sioux Falls, serving families and individuals with disabilities and chronic health issues; Alli Moran, Eagle Butte, interested in secondary education for tribal youth; Andrea Powers, Hot Springs, economic developer focused on bringing young people to rural areas; Traci Smith, Sioux Falls, interests in changes in the judicial system as a public defender; Adam Strenge, Sioux Falls, Southeast Technical Institute work on increasing student success in post-secondary education; Peter Strong, Rapid City, gallery owner with interests in the arts and Native American culture; Viola Waln, Parmelee, journalist interested in affecting people through writing; and Ernest Weston, Porcupine, assisting first-year Native American students in colleges.

All Change Network participants will have access to a $5000 grant to implement an action plan they develop during the one-year program.

Want to learn more?

To learn more about the members of the South Dakota Change Network, visit the National Art Strategies website. Applications for the upcoming South Dakota Change Network will open April 2018.

To learn more about the South Dakota Change Network contact Kari O'Neill, SDSU Extension at 605.685.6972 or by email.